ONE of cycling’s biggest stars could be racing through North Wales later this summer during the Tour of Britain.

After missing out on the chance to defend his Tour de France crown, Sir Bradley Wiggins has said he hopes to make his eagerly awaited comeback at Britain’s biggest race.

More than 100 top flight cyclists from 16 teams will be taking part in the race. North Wales plays host to Stage Four of the race on September 18.

Huge crowds are expected to line the route which will see cyclists race across Wrexham, Flintshire, Denbighshire and Conwy before climbing to Pen-y-Pass in the shadow of Snowdon and tackling the fast but tricky descent to Nant Peris and the final sprint to Llanberis.

After a night’s rest the race moves south to Machynlleth with Stage Five racing 100 miles to Caerphilly.

Tour of Britain spokesman Peter Hodges said: “This is our 10th anniversary and the tour is now a firm part of the sporting calendar.

“We’ve been lucky enough to build on the success of past years and we were thrilled last year when Mark Cavendish and Sir Bradley Wiggins did the tour despite the huge rigours of the Tour de France.

“Both are household names and they carry much of the credit for bringing so many people into the sport in Britain.

“We are very hopeful they will both be back this year. Sir Bradley is on record saying he has the event in his sights, so it could be another amazing race.

“We estimate about a million people watched the race live last year, which is an incredible number and shows how interest in the sport has rocketed.”

He added the race is watched by cycling fans in 125 countries.

“There will be live TV coverage of the race and the spectacular scenery of Snowdonia will be the perfect backdrop for the cycling.

“A third of the race will be in Wales this year and it will play a crucial part in the eventual result,” he said.

Cllr John Wynn Jones, Gwynedd Council's Cabinet Member for the Economy, said: “Over recent years, we have worked to bring a range of high profile events to the county.

“As a result, Gwynedd is fast developing a strong reputation for successfully hosting a range of major events which also provide a huge boost for our local economy.

“We are delighted that Gwynedd will play an important part in this year's Tour of Britain, and we look forward to seeing world class cyclists battling it out as they cycle through the beautiful Snowdonia scenery.”

Cllr Trefor Edwards, who represents Llanberis on Gwynedd Council, added: “The race cements Llanberis’ place as a hotspot of sporting activity. It will give the entire area an economic boost.”

Elain Davies of the Dwyfor Cycling Club said: “It’s brilliant the Tour of Britain is visiting Gwynedd. One day, I hope to see myself and others from our club taking part.”

Fellow rider Twm Bryn added: “I hope I get an opportunity to see Mark Cavendish and Bradley Wiggins who are both heroes of mine.”